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Saturday, October 29, 2011

20 Questions: Kyle Perkins

Kyle Perkins

I don't technically know Kyle Perkins, but in recent years, I've truly come admire and respect him. Through his website, Compleat Thought, Kyle has become a force for conservation, particularly here in the West.

He's also an accomplished fly fishing guide, a devoted husband, soon to be a father and, if the chatter on the Internet is to be believed, one of the most respected guys in the fly fishing community. He lives in Denver these days, where he freelances in marketing strategy and copywriting. He fishes the Colorado Rockies often, and volunteers for Trout Unlimited, both in Alaska and through the unique Greenbacks, a Colorado TU chapter consisting of younger, energetic anglers with a passion for conservation.

On with the questions:What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Holding my wife’s hand without a worry in the world. We tend to be too busy and hold tension about what is in the near future. I would love to just enjoy moments where there is no anxiety, and we can live in the present. Of course, I may need a small pond or creek holding native cutthroat nearby.

What is your greatest fear?
Seeing ‘Candyman’ in the mirror. Remember that movie?

Which living person do you most admire?
My father. Without him, I probably would have never casted a fly-rod, became a guide, or learned how I could play a roll in protecting valuable ecosystems.

Doh!

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Procrastination–period.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Can I say procrastination again? Either that or ignorance.

What is your favorite journey?
So many, but I would probably choose my experience in South Andros fishing for bonefish. That trip taught me so much to become a better angler. I’m used to small streams, stalking hole to hole. This was completely different. What was fun was talking to those guides about fishing rivers for trout. They had no idea what I was saying.

Which living person do you most despise?
I don’t. Despise is a strong word. I disagree with people, but really don’t despise anyone. There are people I’d like to punch in the mouth, but I still wouldn’t say I despise them.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Honey badger don't give a s**t.

Usually only things from South Park or the Honey Badger–though, I do say, “I know, right?” a lot.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Of course my smart, beautiful wife and our soon-to-be child she holds in her belly.

Which talent would you most like to have?
Ability to breathe under water or fly. Wait, those are super powers, right? Well, I always wanted to be able to free-hand illustrate.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Learning how to adapt to change. Other than that, I’m not sure. I don’t think I’ve accomplished my greatest achievement yet. That’s what keeps me motivated.

If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
Oh yeah, an eagle of any species–and I’d go straight to Alaska.

What is your most treasured possession?
I don’t really hold on to much. Though, right now, I have my first dog’s ashes on my desk. He would lay by my side every day, sleep at the end of the bed, and convey unconditional love, no matter what mood I was in. Of course, I will let them go sometime. I would scatter them in a river, but I’m really trying to think of what he would have wanted.

Where would you like to live?
If I really had a choice, I’d stay in Denver forever. I love this city and state. If I had to move, and had a choice, it would probably be the island of South Andros, Bahamas. Everyone is so kind and gracious there. Not to mention the fishing is insane.

Hunter Thompson. A legend, and
a Kyle Perkins fave.

Who are your favorite writers?
Oh wow. I have a writing degree, so where do you want me to start? I really enjoyed Steinbeck, Hemingway, Kerouac, and Hunter S. Thompson books while in college. Of course, you can’t ever count out Gierach and his wisdom of fishing.

Who are your heroes?
Everyone who takes care of our precious natural resources. We’ve lost so much, and it’s these people who continue to work to save them.

How would you like to die?
Quickly.

What’s on your iPod?
If I had choose a few, they would probably be Justin Townes Earle, Queens of the Stone Age, and Jay-z.

If you were a pet, what would your name be?
Oso. I always wanted be named after a bear.

What would your profession be if you couldn’t do what you do now?
I would go back to guiding. While I didn’t get to fish as much, I loved seeing the face of a client that caught their first fish, or a fish of a lifetime.

In three words, how would your closest friends describe you?
I would hope kind, patient, and enthusiastic.

BONUS QUESTION: If there is a Heaven, and you go to Heaven, what would God say to you upon your arrival?
"Rods are on the left, stream is two miles that way, and don’t forget to say hello to your grandfather–in fact, take him with you."

I'm glad this came out...I was bummed when I didn't see it yesterday. Always cool to get to know people a little better through these questions. Kyle is a great guy, I'm glad he was put on the hot seat for this.

Indeed... that's my favorite as well. I often imagine tapping my grandfather on the shoulder as he's eyeing a stretch of trout water when--and if--I managed to arrive at the same place. I loved that answer.

I got to meet Kyle at the "Connect" premiere in Denver and he seems like a great guy doing great work with the Greenbacks there in Denver. Hopefully next time he'll join us on the water (he said something about having to spend time with a pregnant wife). Great interview!

Kyle is one of many internet friends I've never met, but I feel like I've known him a long time. Now I feel like I know him even better. Don't worry, Kyle - being a parent isn't something you can prepare for - you'll just take it in stride and do a great job at it.

A lot of fly fishermen come off as intense. Kyle is intense in a quiet, reserved way. He is not, outwardly, judgmental... I hope I'm not one he wants to punch in the mouth. Kyle, thanks for being a friend.Chris, you picked a winner to spotlight.